If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

how do I go about this?

I've never welded thin metal before and am wondering the best way to approach this. I have an old car that I'm going to weld some replacement panels on and dont really know what I'm doing when it comes to thin stuff. I was told to just drill some holes along the edge of the new panel put them in place and tack them in there then fill the visable edge with puddy and you will never know. Is this the way I should do it or is there another and better way to go about this? any information will be greatly appriciated.

biggest thing is keep your welds short and skip around a bit to keep worpage down. even if its welding nice and smoothly you gotta stop or it will blow threw. 1/2" to 1" is going to be the max per bead if you even make that. 1/4" to 1/2" is about right but milage verrys from welder to welder. do a few test welds to get comfortable and get the welder dialed in first, then get-er-done

thanks for the help
......or..........
hope i helped feel free to shoot me an e-mail direct i have time to chat.james@newyorkmetalart.comsummer is here, plant a tree. if you don't have space or time to plant one sponsor some one else to plant one for you. a tree is an investment in our planet, help it out.
JAMES

okay so you guys are saying that I'll be better off doing a butt weld instead of overlaping the pieces? I figured I would have to keep short little blast's but wasn't sure how to line the metal up together. Thanks guys if you have any more advice keep it commming.

If you want to you can get a flanging tool (either the pliers type or the air one if you have a compressor) from Eastwood, harbour Freight, or somewhere and flange the existing edge to fit the repair peice and weld it on. The downside is if you can't get to the backside to seal the overlap it will rust easier. As stated, spot and very short (1/2-3/4") welds are best and try to keep them across from each other to keep the heat down. And go slow and take your time.